Rare Earth Elements

Abstract

This chapter investigates the current rare earth elements trade in the Asia- Pacific Region. It begins by noting the elements that fall within this category of minerals, noting their rarity. It then looks at the trade in the commodity and some of the issues associated with its supply chain. In the last part of the chapter I examine the tension between Japan and the United States over China's restriction of exports to these countries. The chapter concludes with some speculation about the future of the trade.